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There are five caves at this complex, containing about 150 Buddha statues. The building of these caves began during the first century BC by a king who was driven out of Anuradhapura and found refuge here. Afterwards more and more was added.
You find the caves a bit South from Dambulla on the road to Kandy. They're behind a rather new 30m Buddha statue.
Admission is 1000 Rupees Leave a Comment
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The impressive rock fortress was built in the 5th century AD by Kasyapa after he murdered his father the king of Anuradhapura. Fearing revenge from his brother he fled to Sigiriya and built his palace on the rock. Half way to the top you'll see some well preserved frescoes of beautiful girls, the so called "cloud girls". The final approach to the top is made through huge claws, the only remains of what was once a whole lion.
On the top itself you see the foundations of the palace and a large water tank. The views from there down on the surrounding gardens and the landscape are remarkable.
Be prepared to do a bit of climbing to get to the top, the steps are quite steep sometimes.
Admission fee is 20 US$ Leave a Comment
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Anuradhapura was capital for the Singhalese kings over 1000 years (from 380 BC-1070 AD). During that period it had endure a couple of invasions from Southern India and therefore a lot of the ruins aren't very well preserved. The most important sights are the big dagobas, the remains of some palaces and temples and the sacred Bodhi tree which is over 2000 years old.
There is one well preserved moonstone, depicting animals and plants symbolizing the different stages of life, at the entrance of Mahasen's palace.
The ancient ruins are quite spread out, so you either should hire a bike or a three-wheeler to get around.
Admission fee is 20US$. Leave a Comment
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Polonnaruwa became the successor of Anuradhapura as capital in the 12th century AD. The ruins here are in a better shape than in than there and they're not as widely spread. Don't miss the big Buddha statues of Gal Vihara and the fantastic museum with models of how the buildings once looked like.
Admisson fee is 20US$. Leave a Comment
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Kandy is the second biggest town in Sri Lanka with about 120.000 inhabitants. It's situated 500m above sea level at the shores of a lake with the "Temple of the Tooth" as the main attraction. Don't miss the beautiful Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, about 6km out of Kandy.
But don't expect too much, the town itself is rather unattractive and the air pollution is high. Leave a Comment
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Galle is an easy day trip from just about any the west coast hotels and a perfect test run for anyone trying their hand at independent travel in Sri Lanka. Forget the car and driver routine or the over-crowded bus, get a ticket from your local railway station, jump on a train heading south and you will eventually reach Galle. The journey along the coast gives you some fabulous views.
Galle Fort is a Sri Lankan ‘must see’ and is only a few minute walk from Galle railway station (you can’t miss it) The Fort is free to get in and the sea breeze on the ramparts is a real treat. There are plenty of places to eat, drink and stay inside and outside the fort, watch out for touts, who can be a nuisance.
Galle is stuffed with history, the old gate (in the photograph) tells anyone passing through it something about the history of the Fort, on one side is the Lion and the Unicorn of the British Coat of Arms on the other the Lions and Cock of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Leave a Comment
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Pinnawela is a must for nearly all tourists. It's a totally unremarkable little village but in 1975 an elephant orphanage was set up here. It was originally to look after seven baby elephants - now there are over 70, making it the largest captive group of elephants in the world.
Having seen and ridden on elephants numerous times before - and in the wild rather than a park - I probably wasn't the most willing visitor they've ever had! The elephants being constantly walked to and from the river for bathing and posing for photos with tourists didn't replicate the thrill of seeing them in the wild.
But it was still an enjoyable trip. The elephants with missing legs and scars from mines and explosions are guaranteed to tug the heartstrings. And I defy anyone to see the very youngest baby elephant and not go 'aaah!' It was only a few months old (it'll be a lot older now I suppose) and hardly waist-high! It's also fascinating to watch how the orphaned babies are protected by the adults, and it was hilarious to watch the young ones running off into the forest across the river and the bemused handlers trying to coax them back.
Of course Pinnawela is not as rewarding as seeing elephants in the wild and if that's a possibility then you should definitely do it. But there are gift shops and you can watch them bathe from the comfort of the open-air restaurant, so I can definitely see it's appeal. Kids in particular will love it. You can touch and have your photo taken with them (at a small price) but you're not allowed to ride them. For riding, go to the Millennium Elephant Foundation literally just a couple of minutes down the road. Leave a Comment
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LIONS ROCK!Located in the north-central province of Sri Lanka, Sigriya-a city, palace and garden complex centering a 200 metre high rock-is unofficially known as the 8th wonder of the world. Literally, the word Sigriya means the Lion Rock. Sigriya is Sri Lanka's most recognizable landmark and has been declared as a World Heritage Site.The 650 ft monolith was once a rock fortress and a royal citadel from 477 to 495 AD. The most significant feature of the Rock would have been the Lion staircase leading to the palace garden on the summit. All that remains now are the two colossal paws and a mass of brick masonry that surround the ancient limestone steps and the cuts and groves on the rock face give an idea of the size and shape of the lion figure.Climbing up the rock we saw the Mirror Wall, a highly polished rock surface that has weathered the times to shine and reflect even today. In a sheltered pocket are the famous frescoes of beautiful maidens, which appear to rise out of the clouds. A climb to the top was rewarded by a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
Of special significance is the painting on the roof of the Cobra Hood Cave. The cave with its unique shape dates back to the pre-Christian era.
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Sri Lanka is hot and after a hard days travel you will probably appreciate somewhere to cool off. The good news is that Sri Lanka is blessed with numerous rivers, tanks, waterfalls and pools so even off the beaten track you are never far from somewhere interesting (and usually beautiful) to go for a dip. Even a small stream is likely to have a pool somewhere deep enough to swim, even if it is man made, but you may need local help to find it.
Even if you are based in a beach resort a trip inland for a cool fresh-water swim makes a perfect afternoon out, particularly if sea conditions are not good and you are fed up with the hotel pool. Hotel staff, three wheeler drivers and just about any local will know the best places and may even offer to take you to their favourite spot. Villagers still use the rivers to wash themselves and their clothes and you will probably meet some local people so be prepared to share you picnic and if you smoke - your cigarettes.
Always take local advice before you enter the water, there is a tip on safe swimming inland which you can get to via my Sri Lanka travel page. Leave a Comment
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A cheap package deal with reasonable accommodation can work out cheaper than a flight only deal, so for less adventurous independent travellers booking a package deal and using the resort hotel as a base while you explore the country can give the best of both worlds.
With a package deal you will be met at the airport after your long flight and chauffeured to your hotel where you can sleep and spend a few days acclimatizing. When you’re ready to hit the road you can leave documents such as flight tickets and anything else you do not need to carry with you in your hotel, allowing you to travel relatively light.
You can also go back to your air conditioned hotel for a few days if the heat and hassle of travel starts getting you down and to relax for a few days before heading home.
There is a lot to see and do in Sri Lanka and it is a relatively safe and easy country in which to get around, so get a bag on your back and see where you end up. Use local buses and trains for transport, local inns and rest houses as your accommodation and local people as your guides - fantastic.
There is more info on getting around in Sri Lanka on my home and travel pages Leave a Comment Address: Negombo, Bentota
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on January 9, 2005
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